The Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Bishop David Ajang has cautioned the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Plateau chapter, very Rev. Father Polycarp Lubo to distance himself from partisan politics as Nigeria approached 2023 elections.
He said CAN as a body of Christ on the Plateau has a critical role to play in uniting Christians, Muslims and all Nigerians.
Bishop Ajang hinted this in his exhortation message, Thursday during the 25th priestly anniversary of Rev. Father Polycarp Lubo, held at St. Michael Catholic Church Anguldi, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In his words, ” Plateau state is the headquarters of many denominations in Northern Nigeria as it had all the major Northern churches headquartered in the states.
“Your importance cannot be overemphasized as such you cannot afford to fail the people especially in Northern Nigeria. Remain neutral and non partisan as politicians have the tendency to use CAN as a tool to achieve their political benefits.
“As a leader of CAN in the state, embrace all and do things that would be glory to God and unite everyone. Don’t do something that is against God and humanity.
The clergyman further charged government officials at all level to have holistic approach towards solving security issues in the country, adding that everyone has been affected by it.
He also implored candidates aspiring for different political offices in 2023 Nigeria’s elections to have the interest of Nigeria at heart if elected and should be ready to work for the people, noting that “peace in Nigeria requires accountable governance from people who are serious to lead.”
The Deputy governor of Plateau state, Prof. Sonni Tyoden while congratulating Father Lubo charged him to use his position to touch the lives of people in his immediate community.
Tyoden similarly challenges Lubo to use his office as the state’s CAN chairman to preach peace as the country moves closer to the 2023 elections.
The CAN chairman Plateau state, Rev. Father Lubo while appreciating christian faithful and government leaders for gracing his 25th priestly ordination saying that the priesthood was a call to service.
According to him, “I am overwhelmed, happy and excited that God has been so faithful to me. As you can see the caliber of people that have came to celebrate with me that means I am not alone! We prayed that such kind of unity should be continued.
“well, I don’t see the challenges in principle on my 25 years of priesthood because in God whatever challenges you have will be a stepping stone,and if you see it as a business the challenges will become a stumbling block.The challenges we have is a stepping stone and we take everything in good faith.”
The 25 years priesthood anniversary which was heralded with the book launch, Father Lubo said, “the book is a sacrament of my priest hood which I believe the holy spirit indicate presence of God, the holy spirit is not divisive in nature, the holy spirit is God himself among all Churches.
